5So don't get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the "Well done!" of God. (The Message)
Don't get ahead of God! What good words but how hard to truly embrace.
Even when I'm not trying to pass judgement upon others or circumstances it comes so easily I'm afraid. From an early age we are told to be aware of our circumstances. We are warned to watch out for strangers and stay away from potentially dangerous circumstances. We go through life watching out for anything and everything that might cause us harm. But what do we miss when we judge our circumstances without first getting all the evidence? Could it be that we miss the opportunities for God to show up in big ways because we pass judgement of good and bad upon people and situations before we truly look for God in the midst of them? The questions aren't meant to encourage foolishness or recklessness but rather to invite us to wait a bit longer than we have become accustomed to for the chance that God just might be leading us in a new and different way.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think Paul is saying about the way we judge leaders?
- How do you think the early believers discerned gifts of leadership?
- How do you usually judge people and situations that you find yourself in the midst of?
- Is there a situation or person in your life right now that you might need to reconsider the way you have judged them?
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